Cian O’Connor and Callisto too hot for rivals in Austrian jump-off

Ireland’s Cian O’Connor claimed his third five-star win in barely a week when outsmarting a top class international field with Callisto in this Saturday’s 1m55 jump-off class at Treffen, Austria.

O’Connor was one of thirteen who went clear in the opening round, and was first into action in the decider.

“Going first in a 13-horse jump-off would not usually be an advantage but I made my plan and thankfully it was good enough to come out on top today,” O’Connor said after his second clear in 40.98 was over two seconds quicker than his nearest rival, Dutchman Jeroen Dubbeldam on SFN Zenith.

Sweden’s Peder Fredrickson and H&M Christian K were the only other pairing to post a jump-off clear, but were well off the pace of the leaders in 48.28.

Bertram Allen also made the jump-off and was last to go, taking seventh place after a four-fault round in 43.94 with Dino W.

O’Connor took Thursday’s speed class at the Austrian meeting with Copain du Perchet, and came to the venue on the back of victory last Sunday in the five-star Grand Prix at Sopot in Poland, with Good Luck, one week after that pairing had taken second in the four-star Grand Prix at Wiesbaden, Germany.

The Irish rider mused that his fitness regime during his recovery from injury must be paying dividends. “Personal Health clinic in Rathmines (Dublin) designed a rehab programme for my injury plus looked at areas where I could be better physically. The last few weeks have been great. Perhaps it’s coincidence but the healthier living won’t do me any harm so I’ll stick with it!”